In the heart of Chubut, Route 259 emerges as a trail that combines culture, history, and nature, a well-maintained gravel road connects Trevelin with the border crossing Futaleufú and extends to the southern Pacific coast, full of unique landscapes.
The town of Trevelin, recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of the “Best Tourist Villages in the World” in 2024, is the gateway to this journey. Here, Welsh heritage, Mapuche identity, and a community that lives in balance with its natural environment converge.
The journey to Chile represents one of the most direct connections between Argentine Patagonia and the Pacific Ocean. Just 200 kilometers separate the border from the Chilean coast, shaping an ecological and cultural corridor that unites two countries under the same landscape of mountains and rivers.
In each season, the route offers a different spectacle: waterfalls, vineyards, tulip fields, and forests dyed in multiple colors depending on the time of year. All this turns the journey into an experience that transcends a simple transfer.
Waterfalls, tulips, and living traditions
One of the first attractions is Nant y Fall, a set of three waterfalls surrounded by the Andean forest. Further on, during October and November, the tulip fields transform the landscape into an explosion of colors that contrasts with the sobriety of the mountains.
The Molino Nant Fach, built to preserve Welsh tradition, recreates a village indoors and connects visitors with the cultural roots of the region. A few kilometers away, the place Los Cipreses offers rural tourism with horseback riding, artisan gastronomy, and agrotourism that strengthen the bond between community and territory.
Among mountains and valleys, boutique wineries defy the extreme climate to produce high-altitude wines. Viñas del Nant y Fall, Casa Yagüe, and Entre Senderos represent a production model that combines sustainability, tradition, and openness to tourism.
Accommodation and experiences in all seasons
The 38 kilometers that separate Trevelin from the border bring together accommodations for all types of travelers. From accessible campsites and inns to exclusive glampings, the offer adapts to different budgets and styles. In spring, the colors of the tulips mark the beginning of the season; in summer, the lakes and rivers invite you to cool off; autumn displays golden forests, and in winter, the snow transforms the region into an intimate and welcoming setting.
The crossing to Chile opens the door to Futaleufú, where adventure multiplies with internationally renowned rafting, trekking to turquoise lakes, and outdoor activities. Further on, the town of Chaitén connects visitors to the coast through ferries that allow extending the journey to the Pacific.
How to get to this natural corridor
To access Route 259, the starting point is the city of Esquel, which can be reached by air or land from various points in Argentina. From there, Trevelin is only 25 kilometers away on a paved road, making the start of the journey easy.
The international crossing is done through the Futaleufú Pass, operational from 8:00 to 20:00. It is necessary to present a valid ID or passport, and in the case of minors, a notarized authorization if not traveling with both parents. For vehicles, a driver’s license, green or blue card, and insurance with international coverage are required.
Before crossing, a mandatory online procedure must be completed along with the SAG/Chilean Customs sworn statement. Once on the other side, travelers find facilities such as the acceptance of Argentine pesos in nearby towns, eliminating obstacles to continue the route to the Pacific.
In this way, Route 259 becomes much more than a road: it is an ecological, cultural, and tourist corridor that connects landscapes, villages, and traditions, reaffirming Patagonia as a destination that reinvents itself in each season of the year.
